Investors

Corporate Governance

Last updated 04 August 2023

Corporate Governance Code

Chairman’s Introduction

The Board is committed to effective corporate governance, appropriately aligned with the Group’s priorities to manage risk, promote a strong corporate culture and deliver a strategy for growth.

The Directors of the Board believe that an engaged Board and an effective committee structure facilitate the good governance of the entire Group and ensure an appropriate framework for its continued success and growth. There are four Board Committees, each with formally delegated duties and responsibilities; the Audit and Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee, Nomination Committee and ESG Committee.

The role of the Chairman is to lead the Board and be responsible for its governance, performance and effectiveness. The Chairman sets the tone for the Company and ensures that the links between the Board and the executive team, as well as between the Board and the shareholders, are strong and efficient.

The Group operates an open and inclusive culture, and this is fundamental to the way that the Board conducts itself. The Directors believe that this culture, together with a very strong emphasis on integrity, business ethics and good corporate governance, ensure our ability to execute the strategy, to deliver the right outcomes for the Group’s clients, and deliver value for our shareholders and other stakeholders.

Corporate Governance Code

In recognising the importance of high standards of corporate governance, integrity and business ethics, we continue to apply the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (the “QCA Code”). Further information on how the Board applies the recommendations of the QCA code, and on the Group’s governance structure, is provided in Alpha’s Annual Report 2023.

The Directors recognise the need to continue to develop our governance structure and processes in ways that reflect the evolving needs of the Group’s shareholders, employees, clients and wider stakeholders, and in order to ensure they support the growth and strategic progress of the Group. In doing so, we are committed to maintaining our compliance with the principles of the QCA code and providing clear disclosures relating to the changes and developments that we make.

Ken Fry

Chairman

Principle 1. Establish a strategy and a business model that promote long-term value for shareholders

The Group’s business model and strategy are described in the Strategic Report on pp 18−19 of the 2023 Annual Report. The business model and strategy, and any amendments thereto, are developed by the Chief Executive Officer and the executive team (represented in the Alpha Group Strategy Committee and Group Coordination Committee); and approved by the Board. The Board oversees the execution of the Group strategy by the executive team.

The Group’s proven business model is premised upon delivering growth through the cross-sell and upsell of its high-quality services to existing clients; and selling its services to new clients in new jurisdictions. The Group organises its service proposition around specialist practice areas, which enable it to target and meet the demands of relevant stakeholders in a range of client segments.

The Group’s strategy is to continue to grow and achieve a larger share of its chosen markets by building on its successful service offering. The geographic expansion of Alpha’s business practices is a key component of that growth strategy. The strategy is focussed around the following main growth objectives: 1. Scaling up and broadening the Group’s client proposition; 2. Rolling out the client proposition globally; and 3. Making selective acquisitions.

The key risks to the Group’s business organisation are described on pp 50‒53 of the Annual Report 2023. The Group manages risk closely in order to limit any potential adverse effects on the implementation of its strategy, its performance and the interests of its shareholders. It does this by ensuring that there is a framework in place to identify and monitor risks and uncertainties, and deploying the appropriate mitigating actions (which are described alongside each risk in the Annual Report 2023).

Principle 2. Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations

Maintaining a good, consistent engagement with shareholders is given a high priority by the Directors of the Board. The principal methods of communication with shareholders are the Annual Report & Accounts, the interim and full-year results announcements, the Annual General Meeting and the Group’s investor website.

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, both Directors of the Board and members of Alpha’s executive team, meet regularly with institutional investors, and analysts who publish performance information about the Group, to ensure that its corporate objectives, strategies and operational developments are clear and understood. The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are available to discuss any matters that shareholders wish to raise and discuss. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer act as the main point of contact for shareholders (company.secretary@alphafmc.com).

The Company’s fifth Annual General Meeting took place on 13 September 2022. If, and when, voting decisions are not materially in line with the Company’s expectations, the Board will seek to engage with shareholders to understand and address any issues informing those decisions.

Principle 3. Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities, and their implications for long-term success

The Group’s commitment to being a sustainable business is described on pp 34 – 41 of the 2023 Annual Report. The Group has established an internal Responsible Business function within Alpha’s business operations and is developing an ESG roadmap that will reflect the objectives of the ESG Committee and the most material priorities of its investors, employees, clients and wider stakeholder group.

The executive team, represented in the Group Coordination Committee, oversees the social and ethical framework, and is responsible for reviewing operational processes for managing social, environmental and ethical risk. In this respect, the Group Coordination Committee reports into the Board of Directors, to ensure that any significant risks to the longer-term success of the business arising from such matters are adequately mitigated and addressed. The Board believes that the risk of impact to the long-term success of the Group is low, and satisfactorily managed, based upon its line of business and geographical footprint.

The Board recognises the need to maintain effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. The business model identifies the different client segments with which the Group operates, which includes asset managers, asset owners, wealth managers and those who support the industry, such as third-party administrators. Other stakeholder groups include vendors, industry bodies, regulatory authorities and competitors. The Group maintains a strong dialogue with all key stakeholders; the Executive Directors of the Board, supported by the entire executive team, manage those relationships on a day-to-day basis and encourage the exchange of feedback, knowledge and perspectives about the Group.

The success of the Group’s business model is founded upon its high-performing consulting team. The Board and the executive team are committed to providing an open, interactive and collaborative working environment; and there are opportunities throughout the year for employees to submit their feedback about any aspect of the working environment, the business organisation and the corporate goals. Employee feedback helps the Group to understand and focus its attentions on what matters to its employees. Feedback is also sought from the Group’s contractors at regular points during the delivery engagements on which they are working to capture any key learning points or general recommendations about the delivery framework.

Principle 4. Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and policies. In this respect, the objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce ongoing risk as far as possible, without unduly affecting the Group’s competitiveness and flexibility. The Board believes that this approach serves the interests of creating sustainable shareholder value while also protecting the Group’s corporate culture.

The operational functions of the Group are carried out within a practical and effective risk management framework. The Group Coordination Committee and the Global Head of Risk have responsibility and authority for identifying and managing risk effectively, across the business. Any decisions made by the Group Coordination Committee in this respect are reviewed by the Board.

The identified material operational, financial and industry risks facing the Group are also reported to the Board. A summary of the principal risks and uncertainties, as well as mitigating actions, are provided on pp 50‒53 of the Annual Report 2023. In conjunction with the Audit and Risk Committee, the Board formally reviews the risks facing the business at least quarterly.

Processes to embed risk management throughout the Group continue to be reviewed and changes will be implemented as appropriate.

Principle 5. Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the Chair

The Board comprises six Directors: four Non-Executive Directors and two Executive Directors. In line with QCA code guidance, all of the Non-Executive Directors, one of whom is the Chairman, are independent.

The Non-Executive Directors of the Board have been selected with the objectives of increasing the breadth of skills and experience of the Board, and bringing constructive challenge to the Executive Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are also responsible for the effective running of the Board’s committees and ensuring that the committees support the strategic priorities of the Board.

The Group has determined that the composition of the Board and its committees brings a desirable range of skills, personal qualities and experience for delivering the strategy, based upon the size and nature of the business of the Group. Under the Articles of Association, all Directors are subject to re-election by shareholders every three years and any Directors appointed during the financial year must be formally elected at the Annual General Meeting following their appointment. However, in accordance with best practice, the Board has agreed that all Directors will voluntarily offer themselves for re-election at each Annual General Meeting of the Company.

The time commitment required of all Non-Executive Directors is currently three days per month. The Executive Directors are committed on a full-time basis. The Board is satisfied that each of the Directors is able to commit sufficient time to the Group’s business and can fulfil the obligations fully. The Board and committee schedule is planned in advance of the financial year ahead in order to facilitate attendance and ensure that the appropriate discussion time is available. A record of the number of meetings of the Board during the last financial year, and the attendance by each Board member, is provided below:

Board member Eligible to attend Attendance
Penny Judd (Chair) 4 4
Maeve Byrne 3 3
Ken Fry 4 4
Jill May 4 4

The Group believes that the successful functioning and effectiveness of the Board is premised upon a number of key factors, in addition to Board composition:

  • Suitable operations (agenda, frequency of meetings, monitoring of attendance);
  • Access to the appropriate advice and administrative services – via the Company Secretary and external resources as required;
  • Thorough induction of new Directors to the Board and its committees; and
  • Performance assessment of the Board as a unit and of its members individually.

The Chairman and the Board hold these factors in the highest regard and commit to performing an annual evaluation to review and assess their application in practice.

Principle 6. Ensure that, between them, the Directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities

As a provider of specialist consultancy and complementary services to the asset management, wealth management and insurance industries, and an AIM-quoted company, Alpha requires a range of skills, capabilities and competencies to be represented on its Board, including experience in public markets, financial services, governance and audit, the consulting sector and business operations. The Board is satisfied that its members have the appropriate balance of backgrounds, knowledge and personal qualities in order to meet this requirement and to be able to deliver on its core objectives.

Biographical details of the Directors, including a summary of their relevant experiences and how they ensure that their skillsets remain up to date, are provided in the Directors  section of the website and on pp 58 and 59 of the Annual Report 2023.

The Nomination Committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of Board members that are equipped with the correct range of experience, knowledge, integrity and ethics. Throughout the year, the Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary also fulfils an administrative role with regards to the filings to Companies House.

In order to fulfil their duties, the Directors of the Board are entitled to take independent professional advice at the expense of the Company. The Board members may seek the advice of the Group’s legal advisers, external auditor and the Nominated Adviser (NOMAD) on matters within the Board or the committee’s terms of reference, or to provide recommendations on specific corporate or governance events.

Principle 7. Evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement

The objectives of the Board are to review, formulate and approve the Group’s strategy, budgets and corporate activities, and to oversee the Group’s progress towards its goals. The Group has a process for evaluating the performance of the Board, of its committees and of the individual Directors, including the Chairman, in respect of these objectives.

A formal Board evaluation process was conducted in March 2023 by Prism Cosec, employing a detailed questionnaire completed by members of the Board. The aim of the evaluation was to obtain actionable views on the effectiveness of the Board, its committees and key governance areas. The questionnaire focused on Board and committee composition and skills, strategy and performance, governance and organisation, Board functioning and dynamics, stakeholder engagement and Director self-evaluation. A summary of the results was presented to the Board for agreement on focus areas and related actions.

The conclusions from the March 2023 evaluation confirmed that the Board continues to function effectively as a unit and in committees, and that the surrounding Board governance and operations reflect the culture and values of the Group. Some actions for further improvements in FY 24 were identified including a review of the format and content of key Board reports.

Principle 8. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours

The Board regards highly the importance of promoting ethical responsibility and good conduct within the Company. The Board is conscious of its role in fostering a culture of inclusion, responsibility and openness. The Group is an equal opportunities employer and encourages diversity at all levels.

These values are embedded in the Group’s leadership and throughout the organisation. They are described in further detail on pp 26 – 27 of the Annual Report 2023. The culture of integrity is promoted in the Group’s core values, employee handbooks and is reinforced through the regular activities and initiatives of the corporate social responsibility and diversity & inclusion teams. They are overseen and sponsored by the entire executive team.

The executive team reports into the Board on any changes or risks impacting the Group’s values and behaviours. The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring a corporate culture that is embedded globally and is consistent with the Group’s objectives, strategy and business model.

Principle 9. Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the Board

The Group operates an effective, streamlined governance framework. In this framework, the Board supports the executive team, represented by the Group Strategy Committee, in developing and executing the Group’s strategy. Any decisions between and within these governance structures are reached through an open and constructive dialogue.

The Chairman leads the Board and is responsible for its governance structures, performance and effectiveness. This includes ensuring that the dynamics of the Board are functional and productive, and that no individual Director dominates discussion or decision making. The Chairman is also responsible for ensuring that the links between the Board and the executive team, and the Board and the shareholders, are strong and efficient. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Group’s global operations and for implementing the strategic goals agreed by the Board. The Company Secretary is the main Board point of contact for shareholders.

In order to fulfil the Group’s objectives and facilitate effective decision making, the Board has established the following committees:

  • an Audit and Risk Committee to monitor the quality of the Group’s internal controls, and to ensure that the financial performance of the Group is properly measured and reported on;
  • a Remuneration Committee to review the performance of the Executive Directors, the Chairman and the executive team, and make recommendations to the Board on matters relating to their remuneration and terms of service; and
  • a Nomination Committee to review regularly the composition and succession planning of the Board, and to lead the process of Board appointments.
  • an ESG Committee to oversee the development and implementation of the Group’s ESG strategy.

The Board has an agenda of regular business, financial and operational matters for discussion, as well as a review of each committee’s area of work. The Board is ultimately responsible for making any key strategic or business decisions. Members of the executive team may be invited to attend meetings of the Board in order to facilitate those governance processes; in other instances, the executive team is represented by the Chief Executive Officer, who communicates all their relevant views and information. The Board has adopted terms of reference that set out which matters are specifically reserved for its decision and cannot be delegated to any committees.

The Group’s corporate governance framework will continue to be reviewed to ensure that it meets the evolving needs, size and nature of the business, and changes will be implemented as appropriate. The effectiveness of the governance structures and processes is assessed as part of the annual Board evaluation.

Principle 10. Communicate how the Company is governed and performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

To support the Group’s objectives, the Board has established an Audit and Risk Committee, a Remuneration Committee, a Nomination Committee and an ESG Committee. The responsibilities of these individual committees are provided below as well as in the reports of the committees on pp 68 – 77 of the Annual Report 2023. From time to time, separate committees may be set up by the Board in order to consider and address specific issues, if the need arises.

The Group places a strong emphasis on the standards of good corporate governance and maintaining an effective engagement with its shareholders and key stakeholders, which it considers to be integral to longer term growth and success. The principal methods of communication with shareholders are the Annual Report & Accounts, the interim and full-year results announcements, the Annual General Meeting and the website. The website is updated regularly with information regarding the Group’s activities and performance, and users can register to be alerted of new announcements, reports and events, including Annual General Meetings.

The Group’s reports and presentations can be found here.

Notices of Annual General Meetings of the Company can be found here.

The results of voting on all resolutions in Annual General Meetings are also posted to the Group’s website, including any actions to be taken as a result of resolutions for which votes against have been received from at least 20% of independent shareholders.

The Board receives regular updates on the views of the Group’s wider stakeholders from the Executive Directors; in particular, clients and employees. The Executive Directors have a close special knowledge of the interests of these stakeholders, which they receive by maintaining an open dialogue with market participants and undertaking employee feedback both on an anonymous and peer group basis.